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Our last free day in the city so we spent the afternoon at Herdsman Lake. There were large numbers of Pacific Black Ducks and Pink Eared Ducks. Other species recorded were Grey Teal, Australian Shoveler, Blue Billed Duck, Australian Shelduck, Australian Wood Duck, Musk Duck, Hardhead, Eurasian Coot,

As of June 2110 this lake is virtually dry, most of the waterfowl have moved to Bibra Lake, Herdsman Lake and Lake Monger.

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June 2110

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Check the Paperbarks close to the Gould League Centre at Herdsman for [[Nankeen Night-Heron]]s.

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Thompson's Lake is virtually dry at the moment so most of the waterfowl are congregating on Bibra Lake, Herdsman Lake and Lake Monger. All three of those are well worth a visit. Check out the Paperbarks close to the Gould League Centre at Herdsman for Nankeen Night Herons, we counted twelve there a couple of days ago. There was also a large flock of Glossy Ibis feeding close inshore.

Our last free day in the city so we spent the afternoon at Herdsman Lake. There were large numbers of Pacific Black Ducks and Pink Eared Ducks. Other species recorded were Grey Teal, Australian Shoveler, Blue Billed Duck, Australian Shelduck, Australian Wood Duck, Musk Duck, Hardhead, Eurasian Coot,

An Australian Hobby and a Nankeen Kestrel were keeping the Welcome Swallows and Tree Martins busy while Whistling Kites and Swamp Harriers were swooping regularly over the ducks.

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A great afternoon in perfect weather.

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Tiger1

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June 2110

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Thompson's Lake is virtually dry at the moment so most of the waterfowl are congregating on Bibra Lake, Herdsman Lake and Lake Monger. All three of those are well worth a visit. Check out the Paperbarks close to the Gould League Centre at Herdsman for Nankeen Night Herons, we counted twelve there a couple of days ago. There was also a large flock of Glossy Ibis feeding close inshore.

Overview

Perth experiences a Mediterranean climate, hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The majority of the urban area is located on the coastal plain, between the Darling Scarp and the Indian Ocean. The CBD and much of the city lies on the shores of the Swan and Canning rivers and their estuaries.

The main native vegetation of the sandy coastal plain consists of Banksia heathland and Jarrah and Tuart forest. Much of the native vegetation has been cleared to make way for building, grassed parkland and pine plantations.

On the Darling Scarp (sometimes referred to as the Darling Range, but not an actual mountain range) Jarrah forest dominates on the hard, laterite soils.

Herdsman Lake

The largest urban wetland in the world, Herdsman Lake is a mere 6km north of the CBD. The lake is largely covered in introduced Typha orientalis reeds, but these provide an excellent area for birds to hide and breed. It is about 5km around the entire lake, but walking a section still yields some great birding.

After walking a short way up the western side of the lake (known as Floreat Water), you will come across a dredging barge. If the barge has not been moved in a while it should be covered in nesting Great Cormorants. The two small species of grebe are also common here.

I have seen Tiger Snakes multiple times at Herdsman Lake. These snakes are highly venomous, but will not attack if left alone.

Glendalough Open Space

Lake Monger

Lake Monger sits next to the freeway just north of the city and is slightly south-east of Herdsman Lake. This lake is considerably smaller than Herdsman and can be easily walked around. Most of it is bordered by grass parkland and introduced plants, but the eastern side has been revegetated and a filtering channels built to clean up water runoff from the freeway before it enters the actual lake.

Perry Lakes

Lake Claremont

Claremont Lake on Google Maps This small ephemeral lake is an important wildlife refuge and the breeding location for many birds, both water-dependant species and bush birds. For several years volunteers have conducted quarterly surveys of the lake‚Äôs bird life and have recorded about seventy different species.

Forrestdale Lake

Lake Coogee

Lake Richmond

Trigg Reserve

Garvey Park

Whiteman Park

Matilda Bay

Kings Park

Alfred Cove

Alfred Cove is possibly the best spot close to Perth city to see migratory waders. During low tide a large expanse of mudflats are revealed. The surrounding reeds and the small amount of bushland also house various waterfowl and a few bushbirds. A spotting scope provides the best views of waders and waterfowl.

Walking back towards the carpark you will notice on the river side that there is a tall structure. On top is an active Osprey nest. The Osprey used to nest on a radio tower, but a platform was erected for them to nest on when the tower was removed.

Thompson's Lake is virtually dry at the moment so most of the waterfowl are congregating on Bibra Lake, Herdsman Lake and Lake Monger. All three of those are well worth a visit. Check out the Paperbarks close to the Gould League Centre at Herdsman for Nankeen Night Herons, we counted twelve there a couple of days ago. There was also a large flock of Glossy Ibis feeding close inshore.